Narrative: b. 1.

Work-based learning (WBL) aligns traditional classroom learning and technical workplace learning. The alignment of employer needs and education allows participants to increase their employability skills as their experience in the academic setting and real-world work environment. All work-based learning programs enhance the support and learning of participants through mentorship. Workforce services engage specific target populations to build talent pipelines that meet employer demand and collaborate with partner agencies, education providers and local workforce development regions to align training options with work-based learning activities.

• The state currently implements WBL through registered apprenticeships, registered youth apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeship programs, work experience internships, transitional jobs, on-the-job training (OJT), customized training and incumbent worker training. The Office of Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning influences the expansion and standardization of Work-Based Learning models. Missouri has adopted a Work-Based Learning Framework to assist in promoting common language adoption amongst all who serve citizens at the point of entry into education and training.
• The continuum illustrates a non-linear path from career awareness to exploration to preparation, with a myriad of activity options. The various work-based learning activities do not fall into hard and fast, siloed buckets, and just like with any continuum, some of the activities straddle more than one category. Not all of the activities along the continuum fit the definition of work-based learning on their own, but they are all critical components that support the overarching goals.

Missouri Job Centers will provide access to training services that are aligned with regional sector strategies. These services may include occupational skills training, on-the-job training, incumbent worker training, skill upgrading and retraining, entrepreneurial training, transitional jobs training, job readiness training provided in combination with other training, registered apprenticeship, Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) activities, and customized training.  

Work-based training is one of the highest priorities for Missouri under WIOA. The underlying advantage of work-based learning is that it incorporates skill competencies needed by employers. There is no doubt the trainees are learning the specific skills needed, and how to apply skills in the way the employer prefers. This ensures individuals completing training are positioned to immediately add value in the workplace and have marketable skills to provide upward mobility in a career pathway.  

The partnerships developed through work-based training models ensure that the workforce system is offering high-quality customer service to employers, workers and jobseekers.

On the Job Training (OJT) is an ideal way for employers to train employees the way they want while giving participants the hands on training they need to excel and learn the duties of the job. Job center staff initiate conversation with employers about the program and the benefits. If employers indicate that employer retention and training are needed then OJT is offered as an option to help offset training costs and to help employers find more loyal employees.

• Initial support for OJT participants consist of help with job placement and supportive services as needed.  
• With monthly monitoring and support from the Job center the participants continue to stay on track and receive feedback on their progress.
• Continued communication about the participant and status of training is one benefit of OJT training for participants and employers.
• OJT is a great way to encourage employees to get into a new career field and have continuous supervision as they progress through the given tasks.
• OJT benefits employers and employees because it is customized for each participant for each job.
• A detailed job description is created with clear goals and tasks, keeping both the employer and employee on track to a successful outcomes.
• Successful outcomes are the goals for Missouri Job Centers as well as Missouri Employers. OJT is a win-win for all Missourians.
• OJT Flyers: https://jobs.mo.gov/sites/jobs/files/ojt-jobseekers.pdf ; https://jobs.mo.gov/sites/jobs/files/ojt-employers.pdf

The Show-me Heroes OJT Program assists veterans and spouses who have exited the military or returned from deployment to obtain employment.

Show-Me Heroes (SMH) is an OJT program that began in 2010 for active duty, former military members, and their spouses.  The program reimburses 50% of the wages of workers hired under this program for up to 1040 hours of OJT.  Job Center representatives connect workers with a proven work ethic to a specific employer, and provide ongoing guidance and support. 

• Enrollment guidelines and eligibility can be found at https://jobs.mo.gov/sites/jobs/files/show-me_heroes_ojt_tips_sheet_12-2020.pdf. 
• The SMH program flyer can be found at https://jobs.mo.gov/sites/jobs/files/show-meheroes-ojt-flyer.pdf. 
• The Job Center (JC) representatives that specifically work with and for veterans are in constant contact with local businesses and Chambers of Commerce, and this allows them to act as champions for veterans who may need employment assistance or other services that the JC can provide. 
• These JC representatives work closely with employers to find out the needs of the business, and then work with them to develop training standards that ensure 1) the SMH program participant gets quality training that 2) meets the business’s needs.  The JC representatives stay in contact with both the employer and the SMH participant to ensure both are staying within OJT / SMH program guidelines and don’t require further assistance.  Doing so keeps the local JC connected to their community, the community employers, and their veteran population.

The IWT program is designed to offset the costs of training or “skilling up” employees who have an established work history with their company. The program is designed specifically to provide training that would increase the competitiveness of an organization and prevent the threat of layoffs in the absence of skilled training.

• The IWT program encourages the advancement of a company’s employees through certifications and skill attainment laying the groundwork for promotional opportunities.
• Advancement of incumbent workers also increases the opportunities for the hiring of entry level positions to fill the gaps left by these workers.
• Employers who utilize the program are required to give a wage increase upon completion which helps them reduce turnover of their employees by providing a reward for company loyalty.
• The program is administered by the local Workforce Development Board of each region in coordination with the states WBL Coordinator to allow for flexibility in promoting the program and increasing local economic development opportunities.
• Incumbent Worker Training Program Flyer: https://jobs.mo.gov/sites/jobs/files/iwt_final.pdf

The Incumbent Worker training policy allows local Boards the flexibility to provide Incumbent Worker Training to employers when needed.

Transitional jobs are reserved for those chronically unemployed and provide real life work experience when it is greatly needed to be successful in the workplace.